Getting married civilly in Colombia is a simpler process than it seems, but it pays to know the requirements before setting the date. In this guide we explain which documents you need, where civil marriage takes place, how much it costs approximately and how it differs from religious marriage, so you reach your wedding day with no last-minute surprises.
Who can marry
Two adults with valid ID and no prior undissolved marriage.
Where it takes place
Before a notary at any notary office in the country, or before a judge. The notary is the most common and agile route.
Base documents
A recent civil birth record, IDs and the presence of adult witnesses.
What civil marriage is
Civil marriage is the legal recognition of the union before the State, with no religious component. It has full legal validity and defines the couple's property regime. In Colombia it can take place before a notary or a judge, and applies to couples of different or the same sex.
Requirements for civil marriage in Colombia
- Being of legal age (or having legal permission in special cases).
- A recently issued civil birth record for each spouse.
- A valid ID card (or equivalent document for foreigners).
- Two adult witnesses with no close kinship to the couple.
- If either was married before, the record proving that bond was dissolved.
Notary or court: which to choose
Most couples marry at a notary because the process is faster and can be scheduled flexibly, even off-site if agreed. Marriage before a judge is less frequent and usually takes longer. In both cases the act is registered in the civil marriage record, which is the document that proves the union.
How much a civil marriage costs
The cost varies by notary and by the couple's assets, since part of the fee is calculated on property. Notary fees and the issuance of record copies are added to that. The best approach is to ask for a quote directly at the notary where you plan to marry, because rates are updated every year.
Civil and religious marriage: differences
Religious marriage (Catholic, for example) has civil effects in Colombia when it is registered in the civil record, so many couples choose only one of the two. The civil option is more flexible in place and time; the religious one involves requirements specific to each church, such as pre-marital courses. The decision depends on beliefs and on the kind of celebration you want.
